Chocolate is one of those magical foods. It can make us swoon as it melts in our mouths. And it comes in such varieties! If you are of a sweeter-toothed persuasion, you might prefer a creamy white-chocolate delight. Or, if you prefer darker, more decadent flavors, you may garner side-eyed glances as you throw 90% Cacao into your basket at the grocery store.
No judgment here, though! There’s a reason that Chocolate is considered a romantic food and is the traditional gift to exchange on Valentine’s day! Today we want to sit down, celebrate chocolate and provide you with some deliciously indulgent Valentine’s Day chocolate gifts that also serve as experiences you can share with your romantic partner this February!
The Ingredient of the Gods - A History of Chocolate
Chocolate has an ancient and cherished history. The traces of this delicious little bean have been found in artifacts as old as 5,300 years! The Olmecs were the first to turn the cacao plant into chocolate, using it during rituals as medicine. Later, the Aztecs would add chilies, water, and cornmeal into the concoction calling it “Xocolatl,” meaning “Bitter water.”
When chocolate was brought to Spain sometime in the 16th century, people continued to use it as a drink. They added sugar and honey to the bitter powder to sweeten it. With its endorphin-inducing effects on our brains, it’s no surprise that the 1828 invention of the chocolate press would result in chocolate becoming one of our favorite foods.
Enough history; I need Valentine's Day Chocolate Gift Ideas, like now!
Not to fear! We’ve got a few great ideas for both gifts and experiences you can share with your loved one this Valentine's Day…
A Couples Tasting Date
If you’re looking for a romantic experience to share with your partner or loved one, this is a great one. It’s a fun way to spend your evening, and all you need is a box of chocolates (you can go extra fancy on the chocolates or just buy a $6 variety box from your favorite grocery store), two pens, and two pieces of paper.
You each take a piece of the same chocolate and eat it simultaneously. This is where the fun comes in - because each chocolate flavor should come as a surprise.
Afterward, you each write down your guesses about what kind of chocolate it was. You can even arrange a prize if you’re a couple who enjoys a little competition. You could make the award something romantic…or practical. (Someone’s doing dishes for the next week!)
Make your own Chocolate Treats
If you’re in the mood to try something new and jump into the kitchen, this might be the chocolate experience for you! The possibilities are endless, from making chocolate-flavored pastries coating your favorite fruits in tempered chocolate and creating personalized chocolate bars! You also get total control of your chocolate experience. You can even ensure a guilt-free evening by using ethically sourced ingredients to make your delicious chocolatey experience. You can check out this rich chocolate tart recipe if you're unsure where to start.
Chocolate and Wine - an unexpected delight!
Wine and chocolate can each be a delectable indulgence on their own. Pair them, and you may find yourself swooning. Curating a selection of artisan chocolates and pairing them with the perfect wine is an excellent example of a Valentine’s Day chocolate gift that provides an experience for you and your loved one. The Spruce Eats has a great blog on how to pair chocolate and wine. With just a little bit of research and time, you can find the perfect chocolate and wine pairings and enjoy sharing the unique experience that these complementary flavors provide.
Forget the bar - try a hot chocolate bar!
Yes, a romantic evening of mixed drinks and music sounds lovely! But a more affordable (and personal) option may be creating your hot chocolate from scratch and serving it on a tray next to your favorite toppings, such as marshmallows and whipped cream - the works!
If you’re a true chocoholic, you may want to try making Spanish-style hot chocolate at home. Spanish-style hot chocolate is as much a dipping source for delicious churros as a warm and cozy treat. Pair this with a movie night or even channel your inner Spaniard and serve it as a delightfully luxurious breakfast-in-bed.
Or, if you are a true-blue Kentuckian… why not try our signature Bourbon Hot Chocolate recipe and really “spice” things up?
A S’mores Experience
While we’re on the subject of warm, comforting chocolatey delights: we’d like to take a moment to talk about S’mores. While these may seem to be a summertime snack, there’s nothing quite like cozying up by a fire with a warm blanket around your shoulders and roasting marshmallows. We love s’mores so much that we offer a catering experience that only true s’more lovers can fully appreciate.
We build on the classic combination of chocolate, toasted marshmallow, and graham crackers to create a made-to-order s’mores experience that includes:
House-made vanilla bean and hot cocoa-flavored marshmallows.
Gourmet chocolate bars featuring 54%, 63%, and 83% to play with flavor and textures.
Color-coded campfire skewers to keep hands safe and easy to spot who’s is who’s!
House-made graham crackers with a touch of cinnamon and sea salt.
Great food creates great experiences, and that’s what we’re all about at La Bonne Vie. We hope our list of Valentine’s Day chocolate gifts and experiences will make it possible for you and your loved one to enjoy some memorable and chocolatey experiences together this Valentine’s Day!
If you want to add a healthy lineup to your daily meals, and you live in Lexington, Kentucky, or surrounding areas, check out our meal delivery services!
And if you live elsewhere in the country, definitely give a local chef a try! They know local ingredients where you live better than any mass-produced meal kit service ever could.